
Glass. 
Book 



' 7 



AN ANNUAL 



*V 



I 



DELIVERED BEFORE 



y> * THE 

V 

HISTORICAL SOCIETY 



PENNSYLVANIA 



NOVEMBER 19, 1828. 



BY THOMAS M'KEAN PETTIT, ESQ, 



PHILADELPHIA: 

CAREY, LEA & CAREY— CHESNUT STREET. 

1828. 



'A 



7 



?\3S5 






At a meeting of " The Historical Society of Penn- 
sylvania," held at Philadelphia, on the 19th day of 
November, 1828, it was 

Resolved, That the thanks of the Society be pre- 
sented to Thomas M. Pettit, Esq. for the inte- 
resting and able discourse, delivered by him this 
evening, and that he be requested to furnish a copy 
for publication. 

From the minutes. 

WILLIAM B. DAVIDSON, 

Secretary, p. t. 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &c. 



Gentlemen of the Historical Society of Pennsyl- 
vania, 

The retrospect of individual life, is enjoined by 
the precepts of religion, and by the cold calcula- 
tions of philosophy. While Christianity directs 
each of us, to look back upon his past career, dis- 
tinguishing its folly and its wisdom with the keen 
perceptions of experience, the obvious dictates of 
mere worldly interest, suggest our future progress 
from the results of the past. Social communities 
feel the utility of self-examination, so far as it can 
be applied to their condition, and upon a still 
broader scale, nations acknowledge the authority of 
the same law, in their domestic policy, and practi- 
cally submit to, and are controlled by it, in their fo- 
reigu intercourse. 

There is something invigorating and grateful in 
the setting apart of certain periods, for the appro- 
priate acknowledgment of interesting events. Indi- 
viduals feel an innocent pleasure, in the celebration 
of their birth-days. Communities derive profit and 
edification from stated commemorations, whether of 
well fought battles, won in the cause of liberty, or 
of powerful displays of generous patriotism, mani- 
fested in the civil administration of the state. Nor 

% 



6 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 

is there the less reason to bestow, at regular inter- 
vals, a full measure of attention upon those institu- 
tions, which, by being devoted to the illustration of 
our native spot, give to the pride of birth place a 
new impulse, and to the memory of days gone by, 
afresh colouring. Such associations are useful, whe- 
ther we look to the past or the future. There is a 
just elation of heart, in regard to the honoura- 
ble doings of those who have gone before us. The 
respect, which we feel, for what is praiseworthy in 
our ancestors, produces an incalculable effect, in ex- 
altiug the standard of individual excellence, and in 
raising the tone, and increasing the moral power, 
of society at large. There is also a deep and a just 
sense of regret, if not of shame, in the resurvey of 
the dark pages of the annals of that people, with 
whom we are most directly connected. Whatever, 
then, tends to create and to foster the disposition 
to improve the future, by an accurate view of the 
past, should be cherished and cultivated, with a vi- 
gilance and an activity, commensurate with the high- 
est and the best purposes of man. 

In relation to our own political community, indi- 
vidual enterprize, industry, and zeal, would be in- 
adequate to the task of concentrating the scattered 
details of events of public interest ; and associations 
like that of which we are members, are proved by 
the concurrent testimony of reason and experience, 
to be among the most efficacious means of collecting 
and preserving the materials of history. 

The object, therefore, of the founders of the His- 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 7 

torical Society of Pennsylvania, can be readily per- 
ceived, and their design, in directing one of the 
members to pronounce an occasional public dis- 
course, will be justly appreciated. If in rashly at- 
tempting to perform the duty which your kindness 
has imposed, I shall fail to reach your reasonable 
expectations, I trust I shall have credit for an ho- 
nest intent to meet that courtesy, which, by desig- 
nating me as worthy to make the effort, has fore- 
closed the best apology I could offer, for declin- 
ing it. 

In selecting a subject, no inconsiderable embar- 
rassment is encountered. If we look for antiqua- 
rian details, we find that so much has been beauti- 
fully sketched, of the primitive settlements on the 
Delaware, to gratify and instruct us, that nothing 
remains for an occasion like this ; and if we desire 
to contemplate the general results of the grand ex- 
periment made by William Penn on this side of the 
Atlantic — if we wish to meditate upon the " moral of 
" the great drama," w T e meet with a development 
so powerful and so eloquent, that presumption it- 
self would not venture to dwell upon the theme 
again. Nor is the difficulty entirely removed, in 
the endeavour to fix attention upon some particular 
branch of Pennsylvanian history. Even here, it is 
found necessary, to guard against trespassing on 
ground, which abler hands have skilfully cultivat- 
ed and improved. 

In looking, however, at the enumeration of the 
objects of the Society, as set forth in the official cir- 



8 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 

cular, issued immediately after its organization, my 
attention was arrested by the demand for " accounts 
"of universities, colleges, academies, and public 
" schools, their origin and progress/' and I conclud- 
ed that a brief inquiry concerning the prominent 
public institutions for the promotion of education in 
Pennsylvania, would not be without its ultimate 
use. 

It was in the purest spirit that William Penn 
founded this large empire. He felt deeply and sin- 
cerely the truth, which has since been signally and 
splendidly illustrated in the results of the Ameri- 
can revolution, that the happiness of mankind can 
be secured only under a government acknowledg- 
ing the broad obligations of justice; and he kuew 
that such a government must be founded on the mo- 
rality, virtue, energy, and intelligence of the mass 
of the people. He saw with a penetrating eye, that 
the governments of Europe were systems, founded 
for the most part in fraud upon human rights, and 
sustained by contrivances, calculated to degrade the 
many for the elevation of the few. Even conscience, 
whose rights spring directly from heaven, was the 
insulted object of human coercion. Freedom, civil 
and religious, was the object of his peculiar affec- 
tion. But he felt that mankind was spell-bound by 
imposture and oppression; he knew that the system 
at home was too inveterate to be disturbed by any 
effort which he could make, and keeping in advance 
of that spirit which ere long burst its bonds, and 
awakening into vigorous action, succeeded in the 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 9 

indignant overthrow of the British throne, he sought 
in this western world, to establish a government, in 
which his principles could be fairly displayed and 
successfully employed. The charter which he had 
the address to obtain from his king, gave him a 
power, which his genius could improve to the foun- 
dation of institutions, in their very elements, dis- 
claiming the badges, and defying the bonds of sla- 
very. That charter was a royal one, and bound 
him to his sovereign ; but with regard to others, it 
left him the full authority to settle new ties, and 
new obligations ; he created them with the natives 
of the soil, and justice, tempered by mercy, presided 
over the beautiful work ; he established them with 
the first settlers, and the brightest success crowned 
his glorious labours. 

In "the laws agreed upon in England," in 
u the conditions and concessions" of 1681, in the 
first frame of government, and in the " great law," 
a spirit of enlightened jurisprudence was manifest- 
ed, infinitely superior to any of the lights of the phi- 
losophy of the next half century. Even the best of 
the boasted doctrines of Beccaria, are to be found as 
proclaimed, at Upland, by the assembly of Penn- 
sylvania, in the language of William Penn, so 
early as 1G8&. 

Upon a foundation thus broad, firm and endur- 
ing, was based the superstructure of Pennsylva- 
nian greatness. Whether all has been done, which 
ought to have been done, in rearing the edifice, is a 
question of deep and serious import. It is our task. 



10 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 

at this time, to examine a particular branch of the 
work. 

In the earliest periods, the doctrine inculcated, 
was such as to impress parents with the necessity 
of instructing their offspring, in whatever was of 
immediate concern ; thus in 1682, it was declared 
as a fundamental law, " that all children within 
"the province, of theage of twelve years, should 
" be taught some useful trade or skill, to the end 
" none may be idle, but the poor may work to live, 
" and the rich, if they become poor, may not 
" want 5 W * and with a more direct view to literary 
instruction, it was provided — 

u That the governor and provincial councils 
" shall erect and order all public schools, and en- 
" courage and reward the authors of useful sciences 
u and laudable inventions."! 

The public authorities seem to have been left free 
to act upon the subject, according to their views of 
propriety from time to time, guided by the general 
principles of our first institutions, until the consti- 
tution of the commonwealth adopted in September, 
1776, provided as follows, viz. — 

Chap. 2, Sect. 44. " A school or schools 
" shall be established in each county by the legis- 
" lature, for the convenient instruction of youth, 
"with such salaries to the masters, paid by the 
" public, as may enable them to instruct youth at 

* Laws agreed upon in England. 
t First frame of government. 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 11 

" low prices ; and all useful learning shall be duly 
" encouraged and promoted in one or more univer- 
" sities." 

The spirit of this provision was transferred to 
the constitution of 1790, under which we now live, 
in the following words, viz.: 

Art. 8, Sect. 1. " The legislature shall, as soon 
" as conveniently may be, provide by law for the es- 
tablishment of schools throughout the state, in 
" such manner that the poor may be taught gratis" 

Sect. 2. " The arts and sciences shall be pro- 
" moted in one or more seminaries of learning." 

In pursuing the inquiry, our attention will in the 
first place be occupied with the subject of univer- 
sities. 

It is proper to premise that the first charter grant- 
ed in Pennsylvania for literary purposes, was given 
in 1697? to a body of trustees at Philadelphia, who 
were supplied with funds by the Society of Friends, 
out of its public property.* A school was in a few 
years opened, for teaching the Latin language, the 
inferior branches of mathematics, and the rudiments 

* Proud, in his History, Vol. I. page 343, says. " The year 
44 1689 gave rise to the Friends' public school in Philadelphia; 
" which afterwards, in the year 1697, upon the petition of 
"Samuel Carpenter, Edward Shippen, Anthony Morris, James 
"Fox, David Lloyd, William Southby, and John Jones, in 
"behalf of themselves and others, to Deputy Markham, was 
" first incorporated by charter." This was confirmed by a 
fresh patent from William Penn, in 1701, and by another in 
1708. The last and present charter is dated 29th Novem- 
ber, 1711. 



12 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 

of English literature.* That it was well established, 
is evident from the fact, that, under the protection of 
the same society, it has continued without inter- 
ruption, to the present day, to flourish in usefulness 
and respectability. For many years, the best edu- 
cation which Pennsylvania could furnish, was to be 
obtained in this seminary, and it was not until half 
a century had elapsed, that any considerable effort 
was made to meet the growing wants of the com- 
munity. The happiness of the early settlers insured 
the rapid increase of population. Industry and 
good moral habits, brought wealth and general im- 
provement, and the necessity for men of higher edu- 
cation, in the learned professions, and in the public 
employments, became too striking to escape obser- 
vation. So strong, indeed, became the conviction 
of the leading men of the day, that the existing 
means were inadequate to meet the demand for 
education, that in communicating their views to the 
public, they declared that the community was in 
danger, "not only of wanting a succession of fit 
" persons for the public stations of life, but even of 
" degenerating into the greatest ignorance." 

At this time it was the good fortune of Pennsyl- 
vania, that the sun of Franklin's genius was break- 
ing through the clouds, in which its early career 
had been enveloped. At the suggestion, f and un- 



* Wood's Address to the Philomathean Society, 
t About this period, Dr. Franklin wrote and published a 
pamphlet, entitled, "Proposals relating to the Education of 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 13 

dcr the direction of that great man, an association 
was formed, in 1749, with the title of " The Trustees 
" of the Academy of Philadelphia."* In 1750, an 
English, Latin, and mathematical school was open- 
ed. Charity schools were soon added. Though 
individual liberality and enterprise were devoted to 
the work, yet it was soon deemed adviseable, to ap- 
ply to the "Proprietaries of Pennsylvania," for the 
charter of incorporation, which was obtained in 1753. 
In 1755, a new charter was granted, enlarging the 
capacity and extending the character of the institu- 
tion, and, with the power of conferring the usual de- 
grees, giving it the name, style, and title of "The 
"Trustees of the College, Academy, and Charitable 
" School of Philadelphia." 

This organization continued for more than twenty 
years, when it received a portion of the shock, which 
convulsed the country. The difficulties in the col- 



" Youth in Pennsylvania." In his memoirs, he says, "In the 
' 'introduction to these proposals, I stated their publication 
"not as an act of mine, but of some public-spirited gentlemen; 
"avoiding as much as I could, according to my usual rule, 
"the presenting myself to the public as the author of any 
"scheme for their benefit" page 124. 

*The trustees were James Logan, Thomas Lawrence, Wil- 
liam Allen, John Inglis, Tench Francis, William Masters, 
Lloyd Zachary, Samuel M'Call, Jr. Joseph Turner, Benja- 
min Franklin, Thomas Leech, William Shippen, Robert Stret- 
tell, Philip Syng, Charles Willing, Phineas Bond, Richard 
Peters, Abraham Taylor, Thomas Bond, Thomas Hopkinson, 
William Plumstead, Joshua Maddox, Thomas White, and 
William Coleman. 

3 



14 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 

lege, which grew out of the state of public feeling, 
belong, more properly, to the political history of the 
times, than to the history of a literary institution, 
strictly as such, but, inasmuch as, for a while, they 
seriously affected the cause of learning, a brief no- 
tice of them may not be out of place. Nothing ap- 
pears in the statute book upon the subject, till the 
passage of the act of &7th November, 1779,* which 
exhibits on its face, very distinctly, the sensitive- 
ness of feeling, and the jealousy of opinion, which 
marked the period. It is entitled, " An act to con- 
"firm the estates and interests of the College, Aca- 
"demy, and Charitable School of the City of Phila- 
delphia, and to amend and alter the charters there- 
" of, conformably to the revolution, and to the consti- 
tution and government of this commonwealth, and 
" to erect the same into an university." 

The preamble set forth, that — 

" Whereas the education of youth has ever been 
" found to be of the most essential consequence, as 
" well to the good government of states, and the 
" peace and welfare of society, as to the profit and 
"ornament of individuals, insomuch, that from 
" the experience of all ages, it appears that semina- 
" ries of learning, when properly conducted, have 
" been public blessings to mankind, and that, on 
" the contrary, when in the hands of dangerous and 
" disaffected men, they have troubled the peace of 
"society, shaken the government, and often caused 

* 1 Dall. State Laws, 815, 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 15 

" tumult, sedition, and bloodshed;" " And whereas 
" the college, academy, and charitable school, were 
" at first founded on a plan of free and unlimited 
" Catholicism, but it appears that the trustees, by a 
"vote or bye-law of their board, bearing date the 
w 14th day of June, A. D. 1764, have departed from 
" the plan of the original founders, and narrowed 
u the foundation of the said institution." 
" Be it enacted," and so forth. 
The law proceeded not merely to make null and 
void the offensive vote of the trustees, but while, in 
express language, it confirmed the original charters 
to the seminary, it " dissolved and vacated" the 
board of trustees, and the faculty, designated a new 
board of trustees, under the name of " The Trustees 
" of the University of the state of Pennsylvania," 
and vested all the authorities and estates of the 
trustees appointed in pursuance of the former char- 
ters, in the new board, for the use of the university 
forever. And in order to create a certain fund for 
the institution, it made it lawful for the supreme 
executive council, to reserve so much of the confis- 
cated estates, as would amount to the yearly income 
of 1500 pounds. It also, of necessity, abrogated the 
former oath or affirmation of allegiance, and trans- 
ferred it to the commonwealth.* 

No one, who had read the constitution of 1776, 
which provided that all bodies of men, incorporated 

* Act of 22d September, 1785, gave a legislative confirma- 
tion to the reservations made under this act. 



16 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 

for the advancement of learning, should be protect- 
ed in the enjoyment of their privileges and estates, 
could pause to reflect here, without being struck 
with the boldness of the spirit which dictated this 
law. And the legislative records abundantly prove, 
that after the storm of war had subsided, whatever 
in this, as in other establishments, had partaken of 
its violence, was submitted to the correction, of the 
mild and genial influences of order and peace. 

Accordingly, on the 6th March, 1789,* an act 
was passed, which, in its preamble, declared that 
the trustees and other officers of the college, aca- 
demy, and charity school, had been " without trial 
" by jury, legal process, or proof of misuser or for- 
feiture," deprived of their charters, franchises, and 
estates, and denounced the said act of 1779, as " re- 
" pugnant to justice, a violation of the constitution of 
" this commonwealth, and dangerous in its precedent 
" to all incorporated bodies," and, in its enactments, 
repealed so much of it, as touched, or, in anywise, 
concerned, the ancient corporation, or either of the 
former charters, revived the powers of the said 
ancient corporation, and authorised them to recover 
their estates. 

The university retaining its charter, two insti- 
tutions, with the same general object, thus existed 
in a community, which could not do more than give 
efficient encouragement to one ; and something yet 
remained to be accomplished, in order to protect the 

* 2 Dall. State Laws, 650. 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 17 

cause of learning, and the reputation of the state, 
from the effects of the feebleness, which was obvi- 
ously occasioned by this division of force. In less 
than three years, therefore, both parties acknow- 
ledged the necessity of a harmonious concert of ac- 
tion, and on the 30th September, 1791,* a law 
was passed, to unite the university and the college. 

It was founded upon the several petitions of the 
respective boards of trustees, proposing terms of 
union, and enacted, that each board should elect 
twelve trustees, and that the twenty-four thus no- 
minated, with the governor of the state, should be 
a corporation, under the name of " The Trustees of 
u the University of Pennsylvania," declared that 
the university should be always stationed at Phi- 
ladelphia, vested all the estates of the former cor- 
porations, in the new one, and authorised it to do 
every thing needful and necessary for the establish- 
ment of an university, and to constitute a faculty 
to consist of the proper number of professors in 
the arts and sciences, and in law, medicine, and 
divinity. Under this law, the university exists at 
the present day. 

Having completed this review of what appears 
on the statute book, it may be proper to look back, 
for a moment, for what was actually done, all the 
while, for the cause of learning. The best accounts 
of the establishment show, that under the organiza- 
tion of 1755, the college was supplied with pro- 
fessors of the highest reputation and ability, and 

* 3 Dall. State Laws, 160. 



18 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 

received very liberal contributions in money, from 
its friends here, and in England. It flourished, as 
one of the very best seminaries in the colonies. It 
has been remarked in an excellent publication,* 
that " such was the confidence inspired by the re- 
" gulations and management of the college, that a 
u gentleman of considerable celebrity, born and 
6i educated in England, declared, in a letter to a 
u friend, that, for the primary education of his own 
" children, he should prefer the school of Philadel- 
u phia, not only to any other in the provinces, but 
" even to his favourite Oxford." 

The breaking out of the war of independence, of 
course, interrupted its prosperity; and the high- 
handed enactment of 1779, was not calculated to re- 
store its wonted standing. Under the arrangements 
of 1791, the institution has been divided, practical- 
ly, into two departments, one of medicine, and the 
other of the arts. It is not within the scope of my 
purpose, to trace out the history of either of these ; 
but it can be remarked, as a source of pride to our 
city, our state, and our country, that a medical 
school has been established, which has deservedly 
reached a splendid eminence, that makes it in point 
of usefulness, without a rival, and places its repu- 
tation, above the effects of praise. In the collegiate 
department, the degree of success which has at- 
tended the exertions of the different professors, cer- 
tainly, has not been equal to the ability, faithfully 
applied. Recent improvements, however, by en- 

* Wood's Address to the Philomathean Society. 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 19 

larging the period, and settling the course of study, 
and securing the requisite ability and character in 
the new faculty, afford a foundation for the hope, 
that the honours of this department will hereafter 
be sought for, and valued, with an interest, commen- 
surate with the high talent and deep learning en- 
gaged, and corresponding with the other excellent 
means, which a large revenue furnishes, and with 
the lofty views and purposes of the trustees. 

So much for the only university, in actual opera- 
tion, in the commonwealth. It is to be observed, 
however, that in 1819, the legislature authorised 
the establishment of an university, in the county of 
Allegheny, to be called " The Western University 
of Pennsylvania,"* and granted, for its use, some 
vacant land in the same county. A prior, unextin- 
guished right of common in the land, being inter- 
posed, the object of the law was suspended for some 
years. In 1826, however, the legislature appro- 

* The original board of trustees, surrendered their rights, 
i 'by reason of several of them not residing convenient to 
"their usual place of meeting," and the legislature, by the 
act of 1826, appointed a new board, as follows,' Joseph Stock- 
ton, Joseph Kerr, Hugh Davis, William Robison, Jr. John 
Irwin, and James R. Butler, of the town of Allegheny, and 
Francis Herron, Benjamin Bakewell, Henry Baldwin, William 
Wilkins, Charles Shaler, Walter Forward, Matthew B. Low- 
rie, Alexander Johnson, Jr. John S. Riddle, Harmar Denny, 
Charles Avery, Peter Mowry, Ephraim Pentland, John M. 
Snowden, Alexander Brackenridge, William M'Candless, 
Joseph P. Gazzam, Robert Patterson, John Darragh, William 
Hays, Richard Biddle, John M 'Donald, Thomas Enoch, and 
James S. Stevenson, of the city of Pittsburgh, and James C. 
Gilleland, and John Brown, of the County of Allegheny. 



20 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 

priated to the trustees, the sum of two thousand four 
hundred dollars per year, for five years, and autho- 
rised the erection of the buildings in Pittsburgh, or 
in that vicinity. The trustees have proceeded, with 
much vigour, towards the accomplishment of the ori- 
ginal design. An elegant and extensive building 
is nearly finished, and will, it is understood, ere 
long, be opened for the reception of students. 

2. We are now brought to the subject of Col- 
leges. After the successful termination of the revo- 
lutionary contest, the interior of the state increased 
so much in population and importance, that the ci- 
tizens, relieved from the burthens of war, not only 
found themselves in a condition, to attend to the 
useful arts, sciences, and literature, but felt the 
necessity of some exertion, to promote and encour- 
age them.. Accordingly, in 1783,* an act of the le- 
gislature was procured, for the establishment of a 
college at Carlisle, in the county of Cumberland. 
The preamble declared, that by the petition of a 
large number of persons, of established reputation 
for patriotism, integrity, ability, and humanity, it 
appeared, that the institution of a college at Car- 
lisle, was likely to promote the real welfare of the 
state, and especially the western parts thereof, and 
that a large sum of money, sufficient to begin and 
carry on the design, for some considerable time, was 
already subscribed. The law proceeded to erect and 
establish, " a college for the education of youth, in 
"the learned and foreign languages, the useful 

* Act of 9th Sept. 1783. 2 Dall. State Laws, 118, 



ANNUAL D1SC0UKSIS, &C. 31 

u arts, sciences, and literature," and declared, that 
in memory of the important public services of his 
excellency, John Dickinson, and in commemora- 
tion of his very liberal donation, the institution should 
be called by the name of " Dickinson College." 
Trustees were named, consisting of some of the 
most distinguished men residing in this city, and in 
different counties of the state.* The necessary power 
was given, of appointing a Faculty, who should 

■■The first trustees were as follows: — 

His Excellency, John Dickinson, Esquire, President of the 
Supreme Executive Council, Henry Hill, James Wilson, and 
William Bingham, Esquires, and Dr. Benjamin Rush, of the 
city and county of Philadelphia; the Rev. James Boyd, of the 
county of Bucks; Dr. John M'Dowell, of the county of Ches- 
ter; the Rev. Messrs. Henry Muhlenberg, A. M. and Wil- 
liam Handell and James Jacks, Esquires, of the county of 
Lancaster; the Rev. Messrs. John Black, Alexander Dob- 
bins, John M 'Knight, the honourable James Ewing, Esquire, 
Vice President of the Supreme Executive Council, and Ro- 
bert M'Pherson, Henry Schlegle, Thomas Hartley, and Mi- 
chael Hahn, Esquires, of the county of York; the Rev. Messrs. 
John King, Robert Cooper, James Lang, Samuel Waugh, 
William Linn, and John Linn, and John Armstrong, John 
Montgomery, Stephen Duncan, Thomas Smith, and Robert 
Magaw, Esquires, and Dr. Samuel A. M'Coskrey, of the 
county of Cumberland; the Rev. Christopher Emanuel Shulze, 
and Peter Spyker, Esquire, of the county of Berks; John 
Arndt, of the county of Northampton; William Montgomery 
and William Maclay, Esquires, of the county of Northum- 
berland; Bernard Dougherty and David Espy, Esquires, of 
the county of Bedford; the Rev. James Sutton and Alexander 
M'Clean, Esquire, of the county of Westmoreland; and Wil- 
liam M'Cleary, Esquire, of the county of Washington. 

4 



22 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 

have authority, with the consent of the trustees, sig- 
nified by their mandamus, to confer such degrees in 
the arts and sciences, as were usually granted in 
other colleges, in Europe and America. 

In little more than two years, we find it asserted 
upon legislative authority, that, " under care and good 
" management," the institution was rapidly grow- 
ing, and promised to be of great advantage, by 
largely diffusing the liberal arts, and that the num- 
ber of pupils was so great, that the infant funds of 
the establishment were not sufficient to provide them 
with accommodations. Wherefore, in 1786, a grant 
to the college, was made by the state, of five hundred 
pounds in money, and ten thousand acres of unap- 
propriated land, which was followed, in the next 
two years, by some other endowments. In 1791, 
the sum of fifteen hundred pounds was appro- 
priated, for the immediate relief of the institution, 
and the legislature again gave testimony that the col- 
lege " had been eminently useful in that diffusion 
" of knowledge, which the constitution of the com- 
u monwealth, and the general interest of the citi- 
" zens require the legislature to promote." 

In 1795, the commonwealth granted five thou- 
sand dollars, upon a condition which deserves at- 
tention, namely, that there should be admitted into 
the college any number of students, not exceeding 
ten, who may be offered, in order to be taught read- 
ing, writing, and arithmetic, gratis ; no one of them 
to continue longer than two years. 

From this date, no further legislative grant was 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 23 

made directly to the college, till the year 1819.* It 
then appeared, that in consequence of the serious 
loss of its buildings by fire, a heavy debt had been 
incurred in 1803, which continued to bear down the 
institution ; and the governor of the commonwealth 
was authorized to cancel the mortgage given by the 
trustees to secure the debt, which now amounted to 
upwards of eight thousand dollars, and thus to as- 
sist the college to that extent. 

Important benefits have been since conferred. 
The land before granted, being always unavailable, 
was, in 1821,f taken in exchange for the sum of 
six thousand dollars, and the sum of two thousand 
dollars per year, for five years, appropriated for the 
support of the institution. 

In 1826, J some defects were corrected, iu the or- 
ganization of the board of trustees, the recurrence 
of certain abuses guarded against, and the sum of 
three thousand dollars per year, granted for seven 
years, to be applied to the support of the establish- 
ment. 

Let us now look, for an instant, at the results 
which these various measures have produced. It 
would seem, that notwithstanding the seminary sus- 
tained its early promise for a considerable time, yet 
during a course of many years, it gradually lan- 
guished, under the weight of its debts and difficul- 
ties, till 1816, when its operations were entirely 
suspended. The aid it received in 1819 and 1821, 

* Act of 23d March, 1819. 

t Act of 20th Feb. 1821. t Act of Feb. 13, 1826. 



34 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C, 

enabled the trustees to revive its proceedings, and 
they were peculiarly fortunate in obtaining profes- 
sors of high reputation and undoubted qualifica- 
tions. Some of them still continue to adorn their 
stations in the college, and the successor to the dis- 
tinguished Dr. Mason, who was compelled, by ill 
health, to relinquish the chair of " Principal," is 
acknowledged to have acquired, and to deserve a 
character, eminently fitting him for the appropriate 
discharge of his important duties. The course of 
instruction is understood to be that, which is approv- 
ed in the colleges of most repute. The edifice is 
extensive, and contains a good library and philoso- 
phical apparatus, and the institution may now be 
fairly ranked among the best of its kind in our 
country. 

In 1787* an effort was made to establish a college 
in the borough of Lancaster, designed particularly 
for our German population. The act of assembly 
styled it " Franklin College," from a profound re- 
spect for the virtues, talents, and services of Ben- 
jamin Franklin, and described it as " The German 
College and Charity School." Some land, and a 
certain public storehouse were given to it. The 
land was unproductive, and the funds raised, by 
private subscription, served but for its organiza- 
tion. After a struggle of two or three years, the 
undertaking was abandoned.* 

* Some of the facts stated in this part of the discourse, are 
taken from a report made by a committee of the senate in the 
session of 1821-22. 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 25 

In coming nearer to our own day for the origin 
of collegiate establishments, it might be expected 
that we should cast our eyes still further to the 
west. Though in 1783, Carlisle may have been 
considered on our border, yet, in twenty years, the 
tide of population had extended to the utmost limits 
of the jurisdiction of the state. Thus, in 1802,* the 
academy at Canonsburg, afforded a foundation, on 
which were incorporated twenty-one trustees,! un- 
der the style of " The Trustees of Jefferson Col- 
lege in Canonsburg in the county of Washington," 
with full power to appoint the proper professors to 
constitute a faculty, possessing authority, with the 
approbation of the trustees, to confer such degrees 
in the liberal arts and sciences, as are usually 
granted in other colleges in the United States. 
The charter vested the property of the academy 
in the trustees of the college, subject to its original 
uses, one of which was, that a certain number of 
poor children, should, for a limited time, be taught, 
gratis. In 1806,J the legislature granted three 
thousand dollars to this college, and renewed the 



* Act of 15th January, 1802. 6 Bioren, 209. 

t The first trustees were as follows, to wit: — Rev. John 
M'Millan, Joseph Patterson, Thomas Marquis, Samuel Rals- 
ton, John Black, James Powers, James Dunlap, and John 
M'Pharrin; — James Edgar, John McDowell, James Allison, 
William Findley, Craig Ritchie, John Hamilton, Joseph 
Vance, Robert Mahon, James Kerr, Aaron Lyle, Alexander 
(ooke, John Mercer, and William Hughes, Esquires. 

i Act of 1st March, 1806. 



&() ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 

obligation to teach, gratis, for a limited time, a cer- 
tain number of poor children. In 1821,* the com- 
monwealth granted one thousand dollars per year, 
for Rve years ; and in 18&6,f the like sum yearly, 
for four years. 

This institution, availing itself of a considerable 
bequest for the purpose, has been instrumental, in 
educating a respectable number of poor but pious 
young men for the gospel ministry. The college 
edifice is substantial and commodious, and contains 
a useful philosophical, and chemical apparatus. It 
is understood, that within a few years, this semi- 
nary has increased in reputation and in usefulness, 
and that it promises to continue to flourish. 

About the year 1823-4, an effort was made to 
widen the sphere of its authority, by establishing 
at Philadelphia, a department, in which the cus- 
tomary branches of medical education could be 
taught. The plan was sanctioned by the legisla- 
ture, who, in 1826, authorized the trustees at Ca- 
nonsburg, to elect ten additional trustees, residing 
in the city or county of Philadelphia, as a com- 
mittee to superintend the medical department giv- 
ing instruction at Philadelphia, with such powers 
as to commencements and conferring degrees, as 
the board at Canonsburg might direct, prescribing 
a full course of study, and regulating the fees for 
the lectures. Under this act, the medical school 
commenced its operations. It is to be sincerely de- 

* Act of 15th Feb. 1831. t Act of 11th March, 1826. 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. %7 

sired, that it may reach an eminence creditable to 
itself, and worthy of the cause of science. 

It might have been believed, that one college in 
the western counties, would have answered every 
good purpose, in promoting the growth of useful 
knowledge. Neither the requisite learning and ac- 
complishments in the professors, nor the indispen- 
sable support in funds, can be procured, where in- 
judicious opposition is permitted, in regard to the 
business of teaching the liberal arts and sciences. 
But these views seem not to have had their just 
influence here. Before 1806, an academy at Wash- 
ington, in the county of that name, had been an 
object of legislative care, and had grown into cre- 
dit. Upon this basis the legislature were induced 
in that year,* to establish the * Washington Col- 
lege." The charter gave authority to the trustees 
and faculty, similar to that originally granted in the 
case of Jefferson College, and also transferred to 
the college the property of the academy. By the 
acts of 1821 and 1826, the sum of one thousand 
dollars per year, was granted by the state, for nine 
years. This institution has excellent buildings, and 
some philosophical apparatus. For many years, it 
was regarded as prosperous and useful, but recent 
information exhibits it as on the decline. 

The north-western quarter of our state, also 
claimed and received the attention of the legislature, 
and, iu 1817, a charter was granted to "'Allegheny 

* Act of 8th March, 1806. 8 Bioren, 126. 



28 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 

College/' located at Meadville, in Crawford county. 
The sum of two thousand dollars was sfiven with 
the charter, and in 1821, one thousand dollars per 
year, for five years, was bestowed. The Rev. 
William Bentley, D. D. of Salem, Massachusetts, 
bequeathed to this institution, many years ago, a 
very respectable library, and a handsome sum of 
money. Judge Winthrop, of Massachusetts, also 
bequeathed to it, an extensive library of rare and 
valuable books. Considerable individual exertion 
was industriously made, in behalf of the college, 
but I have not learned, that it has yet realized the 
sanguine anticipations of its early friends. 

On the 9th of March, 1826, an act was passed 
" for the establishment of a college at Easton, in 
"the county of Northampton." The style of 
" Lafayette College" was selected " in memory, 
" and out of respect for the signal services render- 
" ed by General Lafayette, in the great cause of 
"freedom." The objects of the charter are more 
comprehensive than those of colleges in general, 
and are declared to embrace, " the education of 
" youth in the various branches of science and litera- 
" ture, the useful arts, military science, tactics, and 
"engineering, and the learned and foreign lan- 
" guages." Some measures were taken, under the 
charter, by collecting contributions, &c. ; but the es- 
tablishment has not yet been sufficiently advanced 
for the reception of students. 

By an act of the 7th of March, 1827, " Madison 
College" was established at Uniontown, in the 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C 3f 

county of Lafayette, with a charter, conferring the 
usual powers, and especially authorising an addi- 
tional "department of agriculture, in which shall 
u be taught scientifically, the arts and uses of all 
" and every kind of husbandry." The property 
belonging to the Union Academy, was, by the 
same act of assembly, vested in the trustees of the 
college, subject to its original uses ; aud upon this 
foundation, the college has been duly organized, 
with a faculty consisting of three professors. There 
are about forty students in the collegiate depart- 
ment, and a somewhat larger number in the infe- 
rior schools. 

3. The next division of our inquiry comprehends 
a Academies." It would be a task more laborious 
than profitable, to make a detailed enumeration, even 
of those, which are mentioned in the laws. Nor 
would it be possible to procure facts, upon which 
an opinion could be formed, as to their respective 
characters. A legislative report,* exhibits a list of 
such.as were incorporated, within the state, between 
the years 1783 and 1822, and furnishes the names of 
fifty-six. It is shown, that the state had appropri- 
ated to them different sums, in different years, to the 
amount of seventy-three thousand dollars in money, 
besides large grants of land, of the value of which 
no estimate can be readily made. Since 1822, many 
others have been incorporated, and considerable 
grants made by the legislature. Some of the long 

* Report of committee of Senate, 1822. 
5 



30 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 

list, have, undoubtedly, succeeded in answering the 
end designed, while it is to be acknowledged, that 
a large portion of them cannot be pronounced in 
a prosperous condition. Accurate information upon 
this topic, is, perhaps, of the less importance, be- 
cause the fact is not to be overlooked, that there 
are, in the state, numerous unincorporated institu- 
tions, devoted to the instruction of youth, in science 
and literature, in which teachers of great merit 
and reputation, are constantly and successfully em- 
ployed. 

4. We have, thus far, fixed our attention upon 
institutions, designed for the instruction of the youth 
of parents, who are able to pay for the education of 
their offspring, and it remains, to exhibit what has 
been accomplished, in obedience to the constitutional 
injunction, for the establishment of schools, in such 
manner, that the poor may be taught, gratis. It has 
been already remarked, that some of the colleges are 
obliged to instruct, without pecuniary recompense, 
a limited number of pupils, and it is to be further ob- 
served, that many of the legislative grants to the dif- 
ferent academies, had annexed to them, a condition, 
that certain numbers of poor children, should be 
taught, free of expense. Until 1809, this insuffi- 
cient method, seems to have been the only one em- 
ployed, to carry into effect a wholesome fundamen- 
tal principle. The act of 4th April, 1809,* was in- 
tended to provide a general system. It makes it 

* 5 Smith, 73. 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 31 

the duty of the different assessors, to report to the 
county commissioners, the names of all children, be- 
tween the ages of five and twelve years, in their re- 
spective districts, whose parents are unable to pay 
for their schooling. The parents are then at liberty, 
to send their children to the most convenient schools, 
and the masters are to present their bills, under oath 
or affirmation, to the commissioners, for the tuition 
of such as are entered. 

The only other law, designed " to lay the foun- 
" dation of a general system of education through- 
u out the commonwealth/' was passed on 24th 
March, 1824. Its object was twofold. In the first 
place, to secure the assistance of a body of " school- 
men," to stand between the poor children and the 
public purse, with powers of visitation and inspec- 
tion, and of general superintendence \ and in the 
next place, to submit to the decision of the people, 
at their election of schoolmen, a proposition for the 
annual assessment of a general tax upon all taxable 
property, for the support of schools ; — and to autho- 
rise the schoolmen, under this arrangement, to cause 
to be erected school-houses, to appoint teachers, and 
to have a general control over the subject. The first 
of these enactments was excellent, as far as it went, 
and the second was entitled to much more considera- 
tion, than it ever received. Philadelphia and Lancas- 
ter were exempted from the provisions of the law ; 
and so little support and encouragement did it obtain 
throughout the state, that in 1826, it was repealed, 
and former enactments revived. As to a general 



32 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, kc. 

plan, therefore, it is to be regretted, but it cannot be 
denied, that much remains to be achieved. In Cum- 
berland and Dauphin counties, certain improve- 
ments were authorised by a special law.* But it is 
in Philadelphia and Lancaster, that some redeem- 
ing exertions are to be hailed and admired. 

About the year 1817, the attention of a number 
of public-spirited citizens,! m this quarter, was se- 
riously aroused to the importance and utility of an 
extensive diffusion of intelligence. They believed 
that the theories of false philosophy, and the prac- 
tices of despotic power, had to a very great extent 
yielded to the influence of reason and the efforts of 
virtue ; and it was soon discovered by the scrutiniz- 
ing eyes of these political economists, that, in parti- 
cular districts, where the density of population pro- 
duced the habits which ordinarily proceed from 
mixed associations, and gave peculiar encourage- 
ment to the vicious inclinations and depraved 
courses of youth, something more efficacious than 
any system hitherto pursued, was rendered indis- 

• Act of 27th March, 1821. 

t The following named gentlemen composed the Committee 
on Public Schools, who investigated, and reported on the in- 
utility of the system of free public instruction, and proposed 
the present valuable plan; viz. Roberts Vaux, Chairman, Jo- 
nah Thompson, Ebenezer Ferguson, John Claxton, John Rob- 
bins, Joseph M. Paul, Samuel B. Morris, William Fry, Rev. 
P. F. Mayer, Joseph Rotch, Thomas F. Learning, and Joseph 
R. Paxson. — Vide Pamphlet Reports of Pennsylvania Society 
for the Promotion of Public Economy, 1817. 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 33 

pensable, to the due organization, and general wel- 
fare of the community. It was under the influence 
of such sentiments, that on the 3d of March, 1818, 
a law was passed, providing for a new and improv- 
ed plan of public instruction in the city and county 
of Philadelphia. 

The act designates the city and county as the 
first school district of the state, divides the district 
into different sections, provides for a board of di- 
rectors in each section, and for a general board of 
controllers, directs the institution of a sufficient num- 
ber of schools, and declares, that the principles of 
Lancaster's system of education should be adopted 
and pursued, excepting in certain specified country 
sections, in which it was thought, from the compa- 
rative thinness of the population, that the plan 
might be inconvenient. The different local authori- 
ties immediately proceeded to the appointment of 
the directors ; and the controllers, selected from the 
directors, in the proportion of one to six, entered 
upon the discharge of their duties. 

By virtue of the powers conferred, schools were 
at once established. Joseph Lancaster, the author 
of the celebrated system, had recently arrived in 
Philadelphia, and the controllers availed themselves 
of his services, in the original organization. The 
teachers, thus, had an opportunity of obtaining a cor- 
rect knowledge of the plan, in its objects, principles, 
and practical details. 

Upwards of twenty-nine thousand pupils have 
been taught, at an expense not exceeding four dol- 



34 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 

lars per annum, for each child. A comparison with 
the former accounts, exhibits a vast improvement in 
the application of the public money, and in the na- 
ture and efficiency of the instruction afforded. Under 
the old plan, the most shameful abuses of the public 
bounty existed; abuses, too, which the county of- 
ficers, with the best dispositions, had it not in their 
power to remedy, in an effectual manner. In one 
of the sections, where a minute examination was 
made, not thirty, out of three hundred children paid 
for by the county, were found in the schools to which 
they had been sent. The law made no provision 
for any examination of the schools, and from the 
variety and character of the duties of the commis- 
sioners, it was impossible for them to exercise any 
particular supervision. The plan was highly ex- 
pensive for the public, entirely inefficacious for the 
children, and profitable only for the teachers. On 
the other hand, from the nature of the board of con- 
trol, and the different boards of directors, a minute 
superintendence over each school, is exercised by 
men of the most respectable character, who are 
clothed with sufficient power, to exact from pu- 
pils and teachers, that course of conduct which is 
necessary to the due execution of the law, under 
which, the whole plan operates. These gentlemen 
are appointed at stated periods, and the security for 
the faithful performance of their trust, is to be found 
in their sense of public duty, and public responsi- 
bility. 

Everyone, who has visited a Lancasterian school, 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 35 

or who has inquired into the principles of the system, 
knows, that what is taught, is taught thoroughly, and 
that the discipline under which the pupils act, is admi- 
rably calculated to fixupon them, such habits of atten- 
tion to whatever they may be engaged in, as cannot 
fail to be of the highest utility through life. The lead- 
ing advantages of the system in operation, may be 
stated to consist, in its great economy, in its causing 
the largest number of children to be brought to the 
schools, in its securing, as far as practicable, a re- 
gular attendance, and a correct deportment of the 
scholars, and in its providing an education, plain, 
but correct, substantial, and really efficient. It 
ought to be remarked, that it has been fortunate for 
the system, and for this community, that the zeal 
and activity of intelligent and high-minded citizens, 
have been devoted to the management of this branch 
of the public concerns. And in awarding just praise 
to them, we do not forget, that the exertions of pub- 
lic-spirited men, at Lancaster, have crowned the 
work, there, with a similar success. 

A detail, like that, which I have thus, plainly and 
imperfectly, and, I fear, too tediously, presented, 
may not be without a salutary effect, if it serve to 
aid in marking out a future course of policy. • An 
argument in favour of learning, either in the highest 
branches, or the simplest rudiments, is rendered en- 
tirely superfluous, by the authoritative mandate of 
our constitution, and an investigation and compari- 
son of the different methods of instruction, would 
not be within the order of this discourse. Upon 



36 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 

this topic, however, the lights are abundant, and no 
apprehensions need be experienced. College stu- 
dies have been called 6 } the gymnastics of the intel- 
lect," and, as skill and judicious management ren- 
der productive, the soil, that was before waste and 
sterile, so do Lancasterian schools nourish and ex- 
pand the youthful mind. 

But, in an adulation of what is admirable in the 
past, we must not permit ourselves to be hood- 
winked, to imperfections or omissions, in legisla- 
tion, or in practice. For seminaries of the higher 
order, enough has certainly been done, with re- 
spect to mere foundation. Public confidence alone, 
is wanting, to enable them to accomplish the ends 
proposed. Let the citizens of Philadelphia and its 
vicinity, justly appreciate and encourage the great 
worth of her collegiate department, and it will not 
fail to draw from other quarters, as its medical as- 
sociate has drawn, all the aid desired to extend its 
reputation and its usefulness. Let the people of the 
middle counties, second, with a becoming energy, 
the legislature and the faculty, and the honours of 
Dickinson College, will illuminate our mountains 
and our valleys. Let the efforts of the west, be 
concentrated upon that institution, which shall most 
deserve them, and the Monongahela, and the Al- 
legheny, will water a country, blessed, not less, in 
the wealth of its inanimate productions, than in the 
distinction of its learned men. Let all this be done, 
too, with a view to the cultivation of a Pennsylva- 
nia feeling, and a Pennsylvania character : for, in 



ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 37 

being true to o^selves, we cannot be false to others. 
In the result, our state must command that lofty 
elevation among her sisters of the confederacy, 
which belongs to her great opportunities, and which 
can be most appropriately maintained, by a con- 
tinued supply from her own means, of the highest 
acquirement and talent, for her own service, and 
that of our common country. 

Touching the great work of the education of the 
poor, it behoves us to shake off the apathy, which 
hangs over the largest portion of our people. Let 
such a spirit be awakened among all classes of 
men, as will justify and uphold the constituted 
guardians of the public prosperity, in creating esta- 
blishments so broad, so comprehensive, and so per- 
manent, that in all time to come, no child shall 
grow up, uneducated, in our commonwealth. And 
while directing the necessary attention to this 
deeply interesting subject, let " Sunday schools," 
and " Infant schools," as excellent auxiliaries in 
the general diffusion of useful learning, receive the 
full measure, of well-earned approbation and en- 
couragement. 

All these things are not only practicable, but in 
looking at what has been achieved, in other depart- 
ments of government, the character of Pennsylva- 
nia, stands pledged for their fulfilment. Religious 
charity is not only tolerated, but is protected. The 
rights of property and personal liberty, are secured 
by the double tie, of wise legislation and general 
integrity. Human enterprise and skill, are pros- 

6 



38 ANNUAL DISCOURSE, &C. 

trating the barriers, and eliciting thp wealth of na- 
ture. Tbe hills and plains are surrendering their 
inexhaustible treasures. From Erie to ttie«*Dela- 
ware, industrious commerce flourishes, by the aid of 
artificial communication. Throughout our limits, 
peace and plenty smile upon the land. Shall we 
then be deficient in a single point ? Are we in dan- 
ger of allowing our very success, to divert our at- 
tention, from those literary establishments, and that 
mental cultivation, which, in ancient and modern 
times, have marked the real superiority of nations ? 
Shall the wide- spread fame of Pennsylvania, for 
benevolence, and for the solid basis of her many 
excellent institutions, sustain a blot, for want of a 
seasonable improvement of her golden facilities, in 
regard to general education ? It must not be ; and 
in uniting, in one strong determination, to discharge 
our duty, let us beseech that Almighty being, " who 
" hath made the earth by his power, and established 
" the world by his wisdom," to enlighten, protect, 
and prosper our commonwealth, so that the learning 
which purifies, and the arts which embellish, may 
dwell within her borders, upon a foundation as 
deep as virtue, as firm as liberty, and as durable as 
justice. 



THE END 






